My Micro New York will be the city's tallest modular building

Housing space in New York is increasingly at a premium in terms of both demand and cost. A new development, however, will cater for those who don't need a lot of space. Project architect nARCHITECTS says My Micro New York will be the tallest modular construction in Manhattan.

Tony Saba-Shiber of nARCHITECTS tells Gizmag that the design process required rigorous balancing of the building's space-conscious intention and its eventual aesthetics. Among the limitations were size constraints, code/ setback requirements and modular coordination. Meanwhile, the project is seeking to deliver livability and to maximize the usable area of the apartments through intelligent and efficient design.

Shiber also explains that the modular nature of the project led to a unique construction process. "As the modules were being fabricated by Capsys in the Brooklyn Navy Yards, construction at the site – excavation, foundations, steel structure etcetera - was moving forward in parallel," he says.

Located in the Kips Bay area of New York, the My Micro New York development will have features that highlight the use of space, light and air. When it is complete, there will be 55 micro-units, each ranging from 250-370 sq ft (23-34 sq m) in area.

The apartments will each feature ceiling heights of up to nearly 10 ft (3 m). Squeezed into the space available will be a compact kitchen, a combined living and sleeping area with a Juliet balcony, a bathroom, a closet and overhead storage space.

Residents at My Micro New York will also benefit from a variety of shared amenities. Among these will be a gym, a small lounge, a roof terrace, bicycle storage and a garden.